The Abbotsford School District has issued advice to parents to quell local fear and anxiety around the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school last week.

Superintendent Kevin Godden noted distress at such an incident is natural but the potential for a similar incident at an Abbotsford school is low.

The district and staff were reviewing emergency operating procedures, including intruder alerts and lock downs, to ensure vigilance and that plans were up-to-date, he said.

Teachers and staff will also look for students negatively impacted by the tragedy and will facilitate counselling if needed.

Parents, particularly of younger children, were advised to protect kids from overexposure to media images and stories about the shooting. The district also provided parents with tips to support their children who might be traumatized.

Dave Stephen, spokesman for SD34, said the district hasn't had any reports of specific students who have been badly affected but cautioned parents to stay alert for any signs of anxiety.

"We are asking parents and guardians to continue to monitor their kids because the reaction may not be immediate . . . there may be a delay of some time."

For more information and resources from SD34 visit http: //tinyurl.com/d8wygvu.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com